WEST BRITON AND CORNWALL ADVERTISER - 10 JANUARY 1851 PENZANCE LITERARY INSTITUTION - On Tuesday evening last, MR. GEORGE GRAHAM (formerly Lieut. Graham, of H.M.S. CHILDERS) delivered a lecture on "South America and the South Sea Islands."  The chairman introduced the lecturer by remarking "this is the Lieut. Graham, who so nobly fought against the cruelty of Pitman."   The places referred to by the lecturer had been visited by himself when in her Majesty's service. The lecture was replete with geographical, geological, and statistical information. A vote of thanks was unanimously, and with an outburst of acclamation rarely witnessed, accorded to the lecturer. Mr. Graham, in acknowledging the vote, stated that the best of his days had been devoted to the service of his country, and he would have gladly passed the remainder of his life therein; but her Majesty's Government had ordered otherwise, in consequence of which he was now about to leave England to seek his fortune in a foreign land. SEASONABLE BENEVOLENCE - Tregothnan - On Monday last, a fine ox weighing eight cwt. was distributed to the poor families near Tregothnan and in the neighbouring parishes, and the applications having been more numerous than was expected, the Earl of Falmouth generously ordered four cwt. of meat in addition to the ox, to be apportioned according to the numbers of the families. Every one who desired it was also supplied with a horn of good ale, and all went happy away. St. Columb - The inmates of the St. Columb Union were plentifully supplied on Christmas day with the good old fare of roast beef, plum pudding, and ale, and again on new year's day with tea and cake. Cheerfulness beamed on every countenance, and the poor are thankful to those kind friends who contributed to their entertainment. MR. HUMPHREY WILLYAMS - We have great pleasure in stating that Mr. HUMPHREY WILLYAMS has most kindly and generously remitted to the Mayor of Truro, the sum of GBP 50, for distribution among the poor of the borough, in bed and body clothing. Mr. Willyams suggested  that the following gentlemen should be requested to co-operate with the Mayor in the distribution of the money, viz., the Rev. W. W. HARVEY, of St. Mary's; Rev. E. H. BROWNE, of Kenwyn; REV. C. M. GIBSON, of St. Clement's; REV. DR. TANCOCK, of St. John's; REV J. ROBERTS, (Independent);  Rev. E. NYE, (Wesleyan); Rev. MR. MEAD, (Baptist); Rev. W. GRAHAM, (New Connexion Methodist) and Messrs. SILVANUS and JOHN JAMES, of the Society of Friends. The Rev. W. HARVEY, we understand, has declined to co-operate with the other ministers of the town, in the distribution of the money, but signified his readiness to distribute any portion of it which might be remitted directly to himself. This proposition, however, not having been acceded to, the other gentlemen named by Mr. Willyams have undertaken the distribution of the fund, it being especially resolved at the meeting which took place on Monday last with reference to the matter, that the poor of St. Mary's should not be allowed to suffer from the unwillingness of their pastor to co-operate with his brother clergymen.  The following plan was adopted. The articles for the supply of which the money is to be expended are blankets, material for shirts and flannel petticoats, woollen drawers, and men's stockings; tickets for these articles are to be issued to the poor who may be considered to require relief, these to be taken to any draper's shop the holder may choose, and ten! dered to the committee or the member issuing them, for payment. We have great pleasure in noticing this highly seasonable and judicious act of charity, which we are sure will be felt to be a great boon to the poor of Truro. ST. BLAZEY - The members and friends of the Wesleyan society held their annual tea meeting in the school-room, at St. Blazey Gate, on the 31st ult. A much greater number than could be expected at this season of the year partook of the repast. The pleasures of the evening were greatly enhanced by the choir of the chapel, who sang several pieces and anthems. After tea they repaired to the chapel, in order to hold a watchnight, when the services were conducted by the Rev. T. COLLINS, Mr. REED of Bodmin, and Mr. BLAKENEY, of St. Stephens Coombe. CHARLESTOWN WESLEYAN CHAPEL - On Christmas Day, the choir belonging to the Wesleyan chapel, at Charlestown, sang several appropriate pieces and anthems, which gave general satisfaction. On the Wednesday following, New Year's Day, they had their annual treat given them by the trustees of the chapel, for their regular attendance during the past year. TYWARDREATH - On Monday last, (being old Christmas day) the teachers connected with the Wesleyan Sunday School in this place met in Mr. Vounder's school room, for the purpose of taking tea together; and at about six o'clock a goodly number sat down to partake of the cup which cheers but not inebriates. After tea, one of the superintendents, Mr. J. HUSBAND, was unanimously elected to the chair, who in a speech of some length, strongly urged on the teachers, the importance of the work in which they were engaged; and also noticed some of the good effects of Sabbath school tuition. Some other officers and teachers then addressed the meeting. After which, the following question was proposed by the chairman, "can any measures be de[fined] in order to promote, more effectually, the chief design of Sabbath school instruction?"  An interesting  discussion took place, in which many of the teachers joined, and several useful hints were thrown out. The whole was concluded with singing a! nd prayer. EAST LOOE - On New-year's-day, 159 children (being an increase of 49 since last year) belonging to the Wesleyan Sunday School at East Looe, were regaled with tea in the Town Hall, after which they repaired to  the Mechanics' Institute, where a public meeting was held, and the children recited many very appropriate pieces. Addresses were also delivered by Messrs. ADDISON, ROBERTS, NORTHCOTT, and HILL. Mr. WILLCOCKS presided, and the evening was spent both profitably and agreeably to all parties. CHAPEL OPENING - A new Bible Christian Chapel at Trecangate, in the parish of Boconnoc, was opened for divine worship on Thursday the 26th ult., when two appropriate sermons were preached by MR. W. HARPER, from Plymouth, to overflowing congregations; at half-past four there was a public tea, when about three hundred sat down to partake of a bountiful provision. The tea was at Mr. HONEYCOMBE's Menabuile, who kindly accommodated the assembly with a commodious room for the occasion, which was beautifully decorated with flowers and evergreens. On Sunday the 29th, services were again resumed, when MR. C. SPETTIGUE of St. Teath, preached two impressive sermons, the chapel being crowded to excess. The chapel is built on the HON. MR. FORTESCUE's land, who has kindly granted the site and given stones for the building. The sum of GBP 33 was collected at the evening service. BODMIN - The REV. T. WHITTA, of this town, has accepted a unanimous and earnest invitation to resume the pastorate of the Independent Church worshipping in France Meeting, Chalford, Gloucestershire. ROCK, BELL, and STEEL BAND - The Messieurs Richardson gave a morning and evening concert in the Assembly Rooms, Helston, on Friday last. To those who have not yet seen or heard these instruments, no true conception can be formed of their real nature, or the wonderful powers they possess. On first hearing the music produced by the combined skill of the performers, the mind is overwhelmed with wonder at the effect, followed by delight and admiration. The immortal poet had taught us that there are "sermons in stones," but it was left for the Richardsons to astonish the world by the discovery that from them might be drawn notes of music, rivaling in chasteness, sweetness, and melody, the organ, the piano, or any other instrument. The pieces performed were rapturously applauded by the audience, who seemed to be taken by surprise at the execution, exceeding so much their anticipations. No musical amateur or proficient should allow the opportunity to escape without attending; while! all those who have any "music in their souls" will find a visit to be a rich treat. MESMERISM, &C - Mr BERNARDO  EAGLE has been giving some of his interesting entertainments at Falmouth and Helston, and has now commenced at Penzance. At each place the audiences have been very numerous, and have been astonished as well as delighted by the performances, the nature of which is detailed at some length on the occasion of Mr. Eagle's visit to Truro. EXAMINATION - We understand that Master PETER CHARLES CARNARTON, formerly a teacher at the Cornwall Central Schools, has successfully passed his examination at St. John's College, Battersea, and received the foremost honour, namely, a Queen Scholar of the first class. THE NAVY - CAPT. TOUP NICHOLAS, in consequence of the death of Admiral James Murray GORDON, has been promoted to be Rear Admiral of the Blue. The REV. G. E. CARWITHEN, late minister of the district church, Newlyn, near Penzance, has been appointed chaplain to the CALLIOPE, frigate, which is about  to sail from Devonport to New Zealand. TRURO POLICE - On Tuesday last, THOMAS CANN, of St. Agnes,  JOHN MARSHALL, of Helston,  SAMUEL ONES, of Wiltshire, and ISAAC PIKE of Somerset; watching their opportunity, went into MR. EDWARD's shop at the Bazaar, East-bridge, Truro, and stole two valuable carpet bags and a basket. The fellows after that had the impudence to go to the police station, and ask for an order to go into the union. But having the property in their possession, it was suspected that they had acquired it dishonestly, and on inquiry being made, MR. Edwards examined, and found that the articles had been stolen from his shop. They were committed on the same day to take their trial at the next assizes. COMMITTAL - On Saturday last, EDWARD SLADE, of Mevagissey, watch maker, was committed by Mr. E. COODE, jun. to take his trial at the next assizes, on the charge of stealing on the 3rd instant, at St. Austell, a brass minute wheel, the property of MR. HENRY ORCHARD. A THIEF CAUGHT IN A GIN - Mr. CUMING, having discovered that potatoes had been abstracted from his store on Lemon quay, Truro, and suspecting they were taken by some one who partially removed the weather boarding at the back of the cellar, caused a large gin to be placed on the potatoes opposite the suspected place, that on the introduction of the hand the thief might be caught in it. The trap succeeded perfectly, for about half-past eight in the evening of Tuesday last, Mr. Cuming's man, who lives on the premises, heard a terrific shriek, and rushing to the spot, found a youth of about fourteen, held fast by the fingers, having been caught in the gin, and piteously imploring to be released from his agony. This was done, and he was immediately consigned to the custody of the police. He had a large basket with him and a sack, so that he evidently expected to have secured a large plunder. NARROW ESCAPE - Last week, the four men employed in lighting the naphtha lamps at Truro, were discharging their duties at the corner of Church-lane, adjoining MRS. SIMPSON's; from the escape of naphtha the whole was ignited, and the lantern and iron work of the lamp were obliged to be destroyed to save the house from fire. BOILER EXPLOSION - On Wednesday last, about half-past eight in the morning, a boiler which was nearly new, burst at Laity Hills Mine, by which one man named COCK was killed, and the engine-house destroyed. MELANCHOLY SUICIDE OF A MASTER OF A VESSEL - On the 5th instant, the schooner EMERALD of Scilly, from Palermo, bound to Liverpool, put into Scilly. The master, THOMAS ASHFORD, had been in a melancholy state of mind throughout the passage, and for five days previous to the vessel's arrival he appeared determined, if possible, to put an end to his existence. The mate and crew alternately watched over him and prevented hi m from putting his threats into execution; but at seven o'clock on Sunday morning, whilst the crew were busily engaged in making sail, the mate, his brother, left his post to let go a rope, and that minute the master rushed up on deck and jumped overboard and sank before the boat could be got out. [There were no obituaries] Julia Mosman, OPC for St.Austell,Charlestown, and Treverbyn Website at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~staustell W. Briton newspaper transcripts at http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~wbritonad Please visit the OPC website at http://cornwall-opc.org